Henniker Voter Participation

There are a number of ways that Henniker voters can become well informed and effectively participate in the upcoming Town and School Meeting process.  My comments will be brief.  Should you wish to have further information or details about a specific event, please contact me at 428-3221, ext. 5 or at townadministrator@henniker.org .

• Till February 3rd, voters can sign up for any of the offices (town or school) that are up for re-election or are vacant.  Go to www.henniker.org to see what is available.
• The Town will hold two Public Hearings to discuss Bond Articles and the proposed Town Budget at 6:15 and 6:30 pm on February 7th at the Community Center (57 Main Street).
• The Deliberative Session for John Stark HS will occur at 7:00 pm on February 8th at the HS Cafetorium.
• The Annual Meeting for the Henniker Community School will begin at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, March 7th in that school's Cafeteria
• Voting Day for elected officers and Zoning changes will occur from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on March 13th at the Henniker Community School
• The Annual Town Meeting for the Town of Henniker will occur on Saturday, March 17th at the Henniker Community School Cafeteria starting at 1:00 pm.

These meetings are every voter's opportunity to take part in the democratic process that provides direction to the schools and to the Town.  It is your opportunity to listen to debate and vote upon how your tax dollars are spent.  You are the legislative body for both the schools and the Town.  Your vote matters!

How much?  In 2011, the Town spent $2,781,849.  In 2011, the schools spent $6,657,881.  These are the amounts that you and your neighbors control.  Your vote helps determine the amount spent and the manner in which it is spent.  Your vote helps elect the officials who recommend the individuals who develop the budgets and oversee the money raised.

Please come out to participate in this most important local process.  Join your friends and neighbors in helping to determine the future of Henniker.

Chuck Connell, Town Administrator

Youth Athletics News

BASEBALL / SOFTBALL:  It is that time of year again!  Baseball and softball signups began on February 1st online at http://www.hennikerathletics.com.  Please check out our website also for upcoming events such as the baseball evaluations to be held March 10th at the New England College field house.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:  Help out the Henniker Youth Athletics programs.  Do your children play a sport - Baseball, Softball, Basketball, Cheerleading, Soccer, Wrestling?  The HAC has a number of positions to be filled.  We need volunteers in order to continue providing our sports program. 

• CHAIRMAN - Are you an organized individual who is willing to run meetings and manage agendas, etc? The "Chairman" position may be for you! 
• EQUIPMENT DIRECTOR - Are you interested in becoming more involved in town sports but want to work behind the scenes? Interested in distributing and managing the sports equipment for our programs?  "Equipment Director" may be calling your name!
• FUNDRAISING - People to help with fund raising. Jamie Weston is already leading this effort but 2 or 3 more assistants are needed. Grandparents are always welcome too. All volunteers can help out in some way, shape or form.
• CHEERLEADING - Do you like Cheerleading?  A "Cheerleading Director" is needed or we may not be able to offer this program. Do you have a child involved in this sport?  Can you offer a few hours of your time to help this program continue to be successful?
• BASEBALL / SOFTBALL COACHES - Also looking for coaches for the upcoming baseball and softball seasons.

Any interested parties should contact Tim Lamphere via email Tim.Lamphere@fmr.com

Deadlines for Tax Abatements and Tax Exemptions

ABATEMENTS

The deadline for filing an abatement is March 1, 2012. 

EXEMPTIONS

Applications for exemptions (elderly, disabled, blind, wood heat, solar), veteran's credit and current use are available in the assessing office.  Deadline is April 15, 2012.

To qualify for an elderly exemption, the applicant:

• Must be 65 or older by April 1, 2012
• Have assets (not including residence and up to 2 acres or as  zoning allows) not to exceed $84,000
• Income (including social security) not to exceed $48,800 (single) or $61,000 (married)
• Must have been married for at least 3 years and a NH resident for at least 5 years
• The amount of the exemption depends upon the age of the applicant

To qualify for a disabled exemption:

• Must be 100% disabled and receive social security benefits
• Have assets (not including residence and up to 2 acres or as zoning allows) not to exceed $75,000
• Income (including social security) not to exceed $40,000 (single) or $55,000 (married)

Applications are available in the assessing office at Town Hall or on-line at the Department of Revenue Administration.  For further information contact Cindy Marsland, Assessing Technician (603) 428-3221 ext. 2. 

Library News

ANNOUNCING OUR NEW LIBRARY ASSISTANT - Children & Youth Services.  Kristin Mason, a familiar face to evening and weekend patrons, has been promoted to permanent part-time Library Assistant.  Kristin will staff the Children's Room beginning on January 31, 2012.  Local teens may recognize Kristin, as she has served on the Teen Activity Committee since moving to Henniker in 2009.  Please stop in and welcome her!

STORY TIME - Wednesday story time resumes on February 1st at 10:30 at the Tucker Free Library.  Activities revolve around the story theme for the week!  Bringing your kids into the library for story time is a good way to introduce them to books and neighbors - building lifelong readers and friendship!

Please visit http://www.tuckerfreelibrary.org for more!